Step-by-step APT instructions

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Target acquisition parameters

Target ACQ

Target acquisition may be performed either on the science target (SAME TARGET AS OBSERVATION) or any other target nearby (within 55"). Target acquisition occurs with a 32 × 32 pixel subarray on the long-wavelength channel of Module B located near the point source subarrays and uses the F335M filter.

Figure 1. Target acquisition location

Target acquisition is performed with a 32 × 32 pixel subarray (yellow square) on the long-wavelength detector B5. The target acquisition pointing is centered in the TA subarray, followed by a telescope slew to one of the yellow stars for the science exposures, collecting data within the subarrays shown or the FULL array. For simplicity, only the SW subarrays are shown here. Locations of the LW subarrays are shown below in Figure 2.

Acq exposure time

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ACQ READOUT PATTERN: The NIRCam detectors are read out continuously using readout patterns. Patterns with longer exposure times typically average more frames to reduce data volume (less of a concern for subarrays).

ACQ GROUPS/INT: The number of groups to include during an integration. Each group results in a saved image, perhaps averaged from multiple frames (reads).

Only one integration per exposure is permitted. Thus the exposure time and integration time are equal.

Time series parameters

Module

Subarray

Users may opt to either read out two detectors completely or more quickly read out two detector subarrays, one in each wavelength channel. Smaller subarrays allow for brighter saturation limits in each integration. NIRCam's point source subarrays are available in this observing mode. The subarrays are read out through a single detector output; the full detector is read out through 4 outputs simultaneously.

Time seriessubarray

Size in pixelsNrows × Ncolumns

Short wavelength

FOV (each side)

Long wavelength FOV (each side)

Frame time (s)

Number of outputs

FULL

2048 × 2048

132"(with 4"–5" gaps)

129"

10.73676

4

SUB400P

400 × 400

12.7"

25.9"

1.65212

1

SUB160P

160 × 160

5.1"

10.4"

0.27692

1

SUB64P

64 × 64

2.0"

4.1"

0.04940

1

Figure 2. NIRCam point source subarrays

Subarrays available for NIRCam time series imaging, plotted in the NIRCam field of view, zooming in on the corners of detectors B1 and B5. Blue and red correspond to the short and long wavelength channels, respectively. By selecting a subarray size, the user is choosing two subarrays, one in each wavelength channel. The science target is always centered within the short wavelength subarray.

Number of exposures

Multiple exposures may be performed in sequence to increase the total exposure time. Each exposure is executed as defined in the remaining sections below.

In APT 25.1, this section is named "Exposures/Dith" (Exposures per Dither) for consistency with other observing modes, even though no dithering is allowed in this mode.

Short wavelength

In this APT template, users select both pupil and filter wheel elements. Light passes through both elements in series in each wavelength channel. Only certain combinations of these elements are allowed in APT.

In addition to broad, medium, and narrowband filters, the NIRCam weak lenses are available in this observing mode in the short wavelength channel. The weak lenses defocus incoming light, mitigating uncertainties (jitter and flat fields) and allowing for observations of brighter objects before saturation in a given integration time.

Long wavelength

The pupil and filter wheel elements allowed in the long wavelength channel are restricted based on those selected in the short wavelength channel. For example, if the weak lens is selected in the short wavelength channel, then the long wavelength observations must include a narrowband filter as well. These restrictions guide users to select elements with similar saturation limits in both wavelength channels, since exposures are obtained simultaneously in both.

Exposure time

Each exposure is defined as a readout pattern, number of groups per integration, and number of integrations per exposure. The resulting Total Exposure Time is reported. This readout configuration applies to both wavelength channels (short and long).

Each group yields saved data. Each integration accumulates charge for its duration, preceded and followed by detector resets. Shorter integrations may prevent saturation. Saturated sources may be recovered (unsaturated) in earlier groups during the integration.

Each exposure is performed without moving the telescope nor any mechanisms, with one exception. Exposures of more than 10,000 seconds are permitted in this observing mode, but users are warned that the High Gain Antenna may need to move during a longer exposure. That movement may introduce jitter and affect data quality.